Friday, February 22, 2013

Loyola Sexual Assault Case: Start by Believing

This week, we’ve learned more about the sexual assault case
involving Loyola University students. Two women have come forward to report
that an acquaintance, Colin Kennedy, had sexually assaulted them, in two
separate incidents, in their dorm rooms.

First of all, it’s incredibly brave of them to come forward,
and we as a community should start by believing them. It’s very difficult for
most people to report sexual assault, which is why most sexual assaults go
unreported. Many fear that they won’t be believed, or that what happened was
somehow their fault. Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. Never.

Sadly, these common fears were realized as Kennedy’s defense
attorneys accused the women of lying, citing their delay in reporting and their
continued interaction with Kennedy after the assaults. What they say they
experienced is all too common—being sexually assaulted by someone whom they
knew and trusted. Now is the time to stand with these women as they fight for
justice.

We applaud the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office for
charging Kennedy with criminal sexual assault. By working to hold him
accountable, the prosecutor’s office is sending a message that the victims’
testimony is credible and important to the case.

Not reporting a sexual assault right away is very common. It’s
very normal after being assaulted by an acquaintance to continue to interact
with them and, as one of the young women said, “pretend that things were OK,
even though they were not.” The victims’ testimony underlines their own
disbelief that a friend had done this to them. From the Chicago
Tribune:

"I honestly did not know what to think. I was extremely
frightened and flustered," the 19-year-old testified in a calm voice.
"I started cleaning (the kitchen) in a panic. I was pacing back and
forth."

You can take action to support survivors of sexual assault.

Learn more about the
issue: Check out the Start by
Believing campaign from End Violence Against Women International. This rich
multimedia campaign is a great place to start.

Familiarize yourself
with local resources: Chicago and Illinois have strong communities who are
working to end sexual violence.